"A Fine Balance" is a poignant narrative set in India during the 1970s, a time of political turmoil and upheaval. The plot revolves around four diverse characters - a widow, a young student, and two tailors - who are brought together by fate. Through their interconnected lives, the book explores themes of caste, poverty, political corruption, and the human spirit's resilience. It offers a profound exploration of the delicate balance that sustains life amidst adversity.

Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, this novel follows the life of a young African American girl and her family who are struggling to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. The family owns a piece of land which provides them some protection from the harsh realities of racial discrimination. The story is a poignant exploration of how they navigate through a prejudiced society, face social and economic challenges, and fight to keep their land.

"Nectar in a Sieve" is a tale of an Indian peasant woman named Rukmani who endures the hardships of rural poverty, natural disasters, and personal tragedy, while trying to raise her children and maintain her marriage. The book explores themes of love, hope, and the strength of the human spirit against the backdrop of a rapidly changing India. Despite the constant struggles, Rukmani never loses her faith and hope, symbolizing the resilience and strength of ordinary people in the face of adversity.

"Memed, My Hawk" is a novel set in the harsh and lawless rural Turkey of the 1920s. It follows the story of a young boy, Memed, who becomes an outlaw and a local hero after standing up to the corrupt authorities and feudal landlords who oppress his village. The novel explores themes of love, revenge, and social justice, and is a powerful indictment of the social and economic conditions of rural Turkey in the early 20th century.

Set in the pre-Civil Rights South, the novel explores the story of a young black man wrongfully accused and sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit. A local schoolteacher, at the request of the man's godmother, attempts to help the condemned man gain a sense of dignity and self-worth in the final days of his life. The story grapples with issues of racial inequality, justice, humanity, and moral obligation.

"The Painted Bird" is a dark and harrowing novel set in Eastern Europe during World War II. The story follows a young, unnamed boy of unknown ethnicity who is sent by his parents to live in a remote village for safety. However, he is instead subjected to brutal violence, abuse, and superstition by the superstitious peasants. The book explores themes of survival, human cruelty, and the loss of innocence in the face of war and hatred.

Set during the Great Depression, the novel follows Francis Phelan, a former professional baseball player, who has become a drifter following a series of unfortunate events. Haunted by his past, including the accidental death of his infant son, Phelan returns to his hometown of Albany, New York, where he confronts his past and tries to make amends. The book explores themes of guilt, suffering, survival, and redemption.

The novel is a fictionalized account of a real-life Sudanese refugee, Valentino Achak Deng, who was forced to flee from his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The story follows his harrowing journey as a child through Ethiopia and Kenya, his life in various refugee camps, and his eventual resettlement in the United States. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the power of storytelling, while shedding light on the tragic history and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

This novel explores the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who are brought together by war and fate. Mariam, an illegitimate child, suffers from the stigma surrounding her birth and the abuse she faces from her bitter mother. When she is married off to Rasheed, her life becomes a nightmare. Later, she becomes a co-wife to Laila, a beautiful and educated girl who also ends up as Rasheed's wife due to a series of tragic events. Despite their initial rivalry, the two women form a bond and become sources of support for each other in the face of their husband's brutalities and the war-torn world of Kabul.

"Memoirs of a Peasant Boy" is a poignant narrative about the harsh realities of rural life in Galicia, Spain during the early 20th century, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. The protagonist, who is also the narrator, offers a vivid depiction of his experiences growing up in poverty, dealing with oppressive landlords, and struggling for survival and education. This autobiographical novel is a powerful commentary on social injustice and the enduring spirit of the human will.

Set in the 1930s on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the novel follows the life of a struggling African American family living in a small fishing village. The narrative centers around the hardships and resilience of the family, particularly focusing on the mother, who is determined to ensure that her child survives the harsh realities of poverty, racism, and a lack of access to proper healthcare. The story is a poignant exploration of the human spirit and the community's fight against systemic oppression, capturing the enduring hope for a better future amidst the dire circumstances of the Great Depression.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in Harlem, this poignant novel follows the life of a young African American girl and her family as they navigate the hardships of poverty, racism, and social injustice. With her father turning to illegal number running in an attempt to make ends meet, the protagonist witnesses the struggles of her community and the resilience of her family. The narrative offers a vivid portrayal of the era and the impact of systemic oppression on the lives of black families, while also capturing the innocence of childhood and the loss of that innocence in the face of harsh realities.

"Les Bouts De Bois De Dieu" by Ousmane Sembene is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that depicts the struggles and resilience of a group of African railway workers in Senegal during the colonial era. As they face exploitation, discrimination, and harsh working conditions, the workers unite and organize a strike to demand better treatment and fair wages. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, the book explores themes of social injustice, solidarity, and the fight against oppression, highlighting the resilience and determination of the human spirit.

Set in a Yorkshire mining town during the Great Depression and World War II, this novel follows the life of Colin Saville, a young boy from a working-class family. His parents sacrifice everything for him to receive a quality education, hoping it will lead to a better life. However, as Colin grows up and navigates the complexities of class, identity, and relationships, he finds himself torn between his humble roots and the intellectual world he's been thrust into. The book explores themes of social mobility, alienation, and the human condition.

This novel explores the resilience and struggles of a group of women in a rural South African village during the apartheid era. As they grapple with oppressive laws, land seizures, and the forced labor system that sends their men to work in distant mines, the women band together to sustain their families and community. Their story is one of survival and solidarity in the face of systemic racism and sexism, highlighting the intersection of personal and political battles while showcasing the strength and endurance of women under extreme hardship.

This novel follows the life of Marietta Cook, a tall, resilient African American woman from the Gullah community in South Carolina, as she endures the hardships and complexities of the American South. Through her journey, we witness her strength and determination as she raises her twin sons, contends with racial and social challenges, and strives to maintain her cultural heritage. The narrative, rich with Gullah dialect and traditions, paints a vivid portrait of a woman's struggle for survival and dignity against a backdrop of historical events that shape her community and the nation.

"The Farming of Bones" is a historical fiction novel that revolves around the 1937 massacre of Haitian workers in the Dominican Republic. The story is told through the eyes of a young Haitian woman working as a servant for a wealthy Dominican family. As political tensions rise, the protagonist and her fellow Haitians face increasing hostility and violence, culminating in a mass slaughter. The novel explores themes of identity, love, loss, and the human capacity for cruelty and resilience.

Set in the early 20th century, the novel tells the story of Tam Docherty, a miner in a small Scottish town who struggles to provide for his family amidst harsh working conditions. Despite the constant hardships and poverty, Docherty remains hopeful and resilient, instilling strong values and a sense of pride in his children. The book offers a powerful depiction of working-class life and explores themes of social injustice, family bonds and the human spirit.